I will be out of the office from August 1-10th to attend a wedding out of state. I will have access to phone and email, however, so feel free to contact me if you need to! All emails and phone calls will be returned within 24 hours.
August is nearly booked completely, but there are a couple weekday spots still available if you would like to get your photos taken before school starts. Contact us ASAP to get scheduled!
We are now actively booking September, and it's not to early to think about your holiday photos. The sooner you book, the better! All holiday sessions must take place BEFORE December 1 to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas.
If you have already had a session this year and would like to order your holiday cards, remember our one-time, never before done special promotion... YOUR THIRD SET OF HOLIDAY CARDS IS FREE! (All appointments that take place before September 14 are eligible). To take advantage of this limited offer, orders must be placed by September 30, 2008.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A couple reminders...
Olive and Bean Boutique
A new shop has opened up in town, and I love it. It's called "Olive and Bean" and it's located in the Village at Centennial Springs. Catering to the client that desires stylish, healthy, and innovative products for home, bath, and baby, I knew it was a place I was going to love. I watched as the store transformed from an empty building to a beautiful environment that welcomes children and inspires moms.
(click on the picture above to visit the website!)
Each time I go in there, I find something I just love - and I know you will, too. It's the perfect place to find a unique baby gift, toy, or even bath and body product for yourself. I am especially fond of the lavender bath tea - it comes with a cool infuser that you can just drop in your bath and steep as the bath fills up! Pure heaven, I tell ya! And check out the wall near the back as you walk in for some great samples of the gallery-wrapped canvas prints I offer, too :)
The best part has been getting to know the owners of this family-run operation. They are really great people, helpful and friendly, and always wearing a smile on their faces. We did a little photo shoot the other day and I just love the captures we got.
Congratulations on your grand opening! Your full gallery will be online very soon!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
On the Tuscan shore
Karen and her family were taking a vacation at the Ritz-Carlton in Lake Las Vegas... so she contacted me to do a few family photos while they were staying there. Of course, I was thrilled... the grounds were beautiful. Turns out, the family's not so bad either.
Loved getting to know the three sisters... being one of three sisters myself, I just love that family dynamic.
The day on the shore was perfect... just slightly overcast (and a little humid!), with beautiful lighting for photos... and isn't that background gorgeous??
Monday, July 21, 2008
Stephanie in waiting...
I loved the maternity session I got to do at Stephanie's house. Loads of gorgeous natural light coming in every window, and beautiful models to boot! They make my job too easy.
Stephanie is expecting her first child. Can you guess what her name will be?
I loved the way the two of them interacted. Such love and adoration - little Sophia is going to be one lucky little girl with these two as parents!
Thanks, Stephanie, for a wonderful time! Your gallery will be up this week!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
2009 Senior - Holly
Holly wanted to do a photoshoot on the strip, so we started at the Paris hotel for some fun fashion shots...
Then over to Planet Hollywood...
And finally, to the Conservatory at the Bellagio!
At the very end of our session, we found a fountain outside and jumped in for a couple of fun shots before security caught us!
I had such a great time with you, Holly! You are a natural in front of the camera! Your whole gallery will be up this weekend!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Meet Brinkley
She is my newest Class of 2009 Model! A senior at Cimarron-Memorial High School, she is a swimmer and a diver. I can't wait to get some action shots of her swimming!
If you see Brinkley around, be sure to ask her for one of her Rep Cards - they are worth 16 FREE WALLETS from your paid session! Friday, June 20, 2008
Nonstop...
Sommer called me to do her daughter's 15 month portraits, so we went to Tule Springs Park. This little sweetheart was nonstop for the whole photo session! First she was chasing birds...
then climbing stairs...
then playing "upside down baby"...
then running away from daddy!
finally, at the very end, she got very snuggly on daddy. Must have been time for naps :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Schedule Update
Hi everyone! I just wanted to give a little schedule update so you know what is going on at Speckled Bird Art.
The office will be closed June 21-29. Emails and phone calls will be returned ASAP (usually within 24 hours - unless we can't get internet service), but no appointments will be scheduled for that time.
July is booking now, and we are down to just two weekends available... the weekend of July 19 and 26. There are still a few weekday appointments... call for availability!
The office will be closed August 1-10. Emails and phone calls will be returned ASAP (usually within 24 hours, as long as internet service is available), but we will not be scheduling appointments at that time.
August dates are booking now! Contact Jessie at 219.8166. Schedule your appointment for Christmas card photos early and receive your third set of 24 cards (a $105 value!) absolutely FREE! Appointments must be scheduled before September 14 for this offer to be valid. We will be unveiling new Christmas cards in August as well. Can't wait to show you the new, fun designs we will have to offer!
The Hunt Family
Tamra called me to do some family photos... her son was leaving on his 2 year mission soon and she wanted some group shots before he left. Here's the missionary himself:
And the rest of the brood. As you can see, they have a full house!
We even got the puppies in on the photo, which was no small feat, let me just say!
Of course, Tyler could not be controlled.
And here's Austin, the missionary himself, all cleaned up...
He will be riding his bike around Florida for the next 2 years, so I decided we needed a shot of him in his bike helmet too. This is my favorite shot ;)
Tamra, your family was so much fun to photograph! Thanks for letting me capture a glimpse of your life.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
For Sale - 2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4
Looking for a great family car that can tow your toys? Have I got the vehicle for you!
We are selling our Ford Expedition to a good home - for well below book value!
$7250 or best offer
2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4x4 Triton V8
Towing Package included
7 passenger (removable back seat)
125,300 miles
DARK tinted windows
Tilt Wheel
ABS (4-Wheel)
Dual Air Conditioning (front and rear)
Cruise Control
Power Steering
AM/FM Stereo with cassette, 6 CD changer, and premium sound
Roof Rack
Power Windows
Power Door Locks and keyless entry
Dual Front Air Bags
Running Boards
Alloy Wheels
High blue book is $8520 and Mid-range blue book value is $7855. It looks and runs great and has been well maintained. Whoever buys it will get a great deal. If you know anyone interested in buying the car, have them call Jessie at 219.8166!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Images of Hope, call for models - and GRANT UPDATE!
SO many exciting things to share! First of all - I HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS A FINALIST for the Idea Cafe Small Business Grant! This grant will help fund my Images of Hope in Las Vegas campaign, which is detalied more below. Now it is up to the public to vote. Please check out the finalist page above and CAST YOUR VOTE by June 22, 2008! (you have to sign up but it's for a good cause! And you can cancel at any time.)
The Images of Hope in Las Vegas campaign was inspired by a photographer named Lisa McSpadden that did a similar project for a hospital in Arkansas. When I heard about what she had done, I knew we needed something like that here, and so Images of Hope in Las Vegas was born.
(below is an excerpt from some of my promotional materials, detailing the project)
I have had the honor of recently photographing a client whose daughter was born 9 weeks early and spent over two months in the NICU. Those two months were extremely hard for the family because they were surrounded by other sick babies born too soon. They had to watch other babies go home after several weeks and they also saw some babies that never got to go home at all. Over the course of their daughter's stay in the NICU, the one thing that gave them a sense of hope was a little corkboard in the room that held snapshots of children who were former residents of the NICU - now happy and healthy and thriving. They talked about it being their goal one day to be one of "those families" that could share their story of triumph after leaving the NICU. Just last month I was able to take photos at their daughter’s first birthday party, where she, too, was a happy and thriving toddler. They have become a success story – and they want to be sure their story is shared with others.
I would like to create a photo gallery wall in or around the NICU at one or more local hospitals entitled "Images of Hope." It will include large, captioned, professional portraits of different NICU "graduates" - the seven year old who was born 10 weeks early that now loves to go to gymnastics class, the three year old who was born weighing only two pounds and now chases his dog around the neighborhood, or the linebacker who spent the first 8 weeks of his life under the care of NICU doctors. I would use these "Images of Hope" to artistically portray the success stories that come out of the NICU. They will enhance the otherwise ordinary hospital walls with artwork and will also provide a much needed reminder to those parents who spend their child's first weeks (or months) in that hospital ward that there will be life and hope beyond those sterile walls.
The name of the campaign was perfect - little Hope is a perfect spokesmodel (well, she can't speak yet... but her mommy and daddy sure can!) for NICU graduates! Shortly after beginning this project, I contacted Hope's mommy who put me in touch with the director of Program Services at the March of Dimes in Las Vegas. She is just as excited as I am about doing this, and we have recently put out a call for models so we can build our portfolio of images to include in our displays! If you or anyone you know anyone who fits the bill, let us know ASAP!
IMAGES OF HOPE MODEL SEARCH
Do you (or someone you know) have a child that spent the early part of his or her life in the NICU? We are looking for children and teenagers, ages 1-19, who would like to be photographed for an upcoming display that will feature NICU graduates. Participants in the FREE photo shoot agree to have their images on display, and will receive a complimentary 5x7 image from their session for their willingness to participate. The first session will be held on THURSDAY, JUNE 12th at 4 pm at UNLV. For more information or to sign up to participate, contact Jessie at 219.8166 as soon as possible! We would love to see you there!
And remember... the money from the Idea Cafe grant will specifically help fund this program - but I do need your votes! If you are so inclined, let others know! Together we can do something very special.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Absolutely irresistible
Jessie called me to take some family photos since they added a new member recently...
He was absolutely irresistible. Actually he wasn't the only one who was. His big sister was completely precious, and I loved getting to know mom and dad.
Of course there was a moment in the middle of the session where Big Sister didn't have her cup of raisins, and a tear was shed...
And some sweet closeness between dad and son...
Big sister got over her crying when she was able to proudly wave the Australian flag for her daddy and me...
And mom got a chance to spend a little quality time with her little guy...
And, finally, we ended up on the bed in the Master Bedroom, where Big Sister counted everyone's toes (she's only two! She is amazing!).
Thanks so much, Jessie (have I mentioned I love your name?? hee), for allowing me the opportunity to get to know your family. It was an honor to get to know you for a little while and give me a glimpse into your life. :) Your entire gallery will be up this weekend! Until then, enjoy your preview!
